A beloved Roxbury café is preparing for a comeback, with a new home, refreshed menu, and familiar mission.
The Boston Business Journal reports that Haley House Bakery Café (HHBC) is planning to reopen in a new 2,000-square-foot space at 2147 Washington Street in Nubian Square, just a short distance from its former home on Dade Street. After suspending café operations several years ago, the nonprofit is now working toward a January 2027 reopening, a representative for the organization confirmed with What Now Boston.
The decision to bring the café back came after the opportunity arose to build out a brand-new space in the heart of Nubian Square. After carefully considering the financials, the organization’s long-term strategy, and input from the community and the City of Boston, the team decided it was time for HHBC to make its return.
At the heart of HHBC is its mission as a social enterprise. The café generates revenue to support Haley House’s nonprofit work, creates career opportunities for neighbors and residents—particularly people returning from incarceration—and serves the surrounding community. Its approach is simple: buy a meal, give a meal. One hundred percent of the café’s proceeds go toward funding Haley House, so every purchase supports both the café’s customers and the nonprofit’s broader mission.
The new café will be led by General Manager Kate Lord, formerly of Tatte Bakery & Café, alongside a team of new chefs, including a pastry chef with previous Tatte experience. While the refreshed menu is still being tested and finalized, customers can expect the return of familiar favorites, including HHBC’s popular pies and chocolate chip cookies. The culinary team is also cooking up some additions, with new soups and pastries already in the works.
Beyond the bites, the space itself will feature a colorful, bright, and comfortable design inspired by community input and Haley House’s history. Plans also include a small performance space for community use, along with programming that the organization is currently developing.
When it reopens in January, HHBC expects to operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with plans to expand its hours in the spring. Grand opening celebrations and community events are also in the works, with announcements to be shared on Instagram at @haleyhouseboston.
In the meantime, the café’s catering operation is already up and running, with holiday pies, pans, bowls, sandwiches, and more available through its online menu. Holiday pie orders are open through November 23.
The team is also welcoming suggestions from the community as it finalizes the opening menu. Those hoping to see a particular former favorite return can share their requests by emailing [email protected].
